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When to Plant Comfrey in Cibola County, NM

Comfrey is a vigorous perennial herb valued as a dynamic accumulator of nutrients. Its leaves make excellent mulch, compost activator, and liquid fertilizer.

Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 132 days.

At an elevation of 4,342 feet, Cibola County receives approximately 15.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 88ยฐF, providing good warmth for Comfrey during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring โ€” great for early planting โ€” but Comfrey will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Comfrey successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Cibola County, NM (Zone 6a) Short season
132 days
Last Spring Frost May 23
132 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Cibola County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

7.1-8.6

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 20 🍅 Harvest: Jul 22 – Sep 30
Recommended (50%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: May 30 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Oct 10
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Transplant: Jun 17 🍅 Harvest: Aug 19 – Oct 28

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.5″/week
You supply
0.6″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 728 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 10/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Comfrey needs ~1,200 GDD — county provides 2,112 GDD Excellent fit

Comfrey Planting Timeline โ€” Cibola County, NM

Comfrey Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 30 May 30 โ€“ Jun 13
Harvest August 1 Aug 1 โ€“ Oct 10

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March โ€”
April โ€”
May Transplant Outdoors
June Transplant Outdoors
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

60โ€“90 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7

USDA Zone

Zone 6a

Growing Season

132 days

Growing Tips for Cibola County

Plant root cuttings 2 inches deep. Choose Bocking 14 variety to prevent self-seeding. Cut leaves 3-4 times per season for mulch or compost. Avoid planting near pathways as it spreads.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Comfrey in Cibola County, NM?

Cibola County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 23. Plan your Comfrey planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Cibola County, NM?

Cibola County, New Mexico is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 23 and first fall frost is October 2.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Cibola County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Cibola County, NM. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.